John Knapp inaugurated as Hope College's 12th president

Standing in front of a stained glass window inside Hope College’s Dimnent Chapel on Friday, newly-inaugurated president John Knapp spoke of excellence in higher education, a Christ-centered education and tradition.

Standing in front of a stained glass window inside Hope College’s Dimnent Chapel on Friday, newly-inaugurated president John Knapp spoke of excellence in higher education, a Christ-centered education and tradition.

"I’m confident that our forbearers would be proud of the Hope College of 2013," he said as he delivered his inaugural address, "The Promise of Hope."

As Knapp thanked the presidential search committee and two of Hope’s former presidents, Gordon Van Wylen and James Bultman, behind him on stage more than 50 delegates from educational institutions all around the U.S. sat quietly listening to his message.

One of them was Holland resident Cynthia Baine-De Maagd, who was attending her fourth consecutive presidential inauguration ceremony at Hope College.

She was at Hope in 1972 for the inauguration of Gordon Van Wylen, in 1987 for the inauguration of John Jacobson and most recently, in 1999 for Jim Bultman’s inauguration.

And each time she was representing her alma mater as a delegate for Baylor University.

"I was so thrilled — just thrilled because I love my university," she said of being asked to serve as a delegate at Knapp’s inauguration.

But while she’s a Baylor University Bear through and through, Hope College and the Holland community hold a very special place in her heart, so making it to four of the college’s inauguration ceremonies was very special for her.

"It means a lot to me to be here," she said during an interview at the Haworth Inn and Conference Center. "I think the whole ceremony is colorful and wonderful and exciting."

Originally from Memphis, Baine-De Maagd came to Holland after graduating from Baylor in Waco, Texas, and received her teaching certificate from Hope College.

"I’m grateful for Hope College," she said.

It was because of Hope College teachers and staff who she said, years ago, helped her secure a scholarship, that she was able to begin a career in education. She then went on to teach for more than 30 years in the Holland and Hamilton school districts.

The college’s alumni office also employed her when she and her late husband, Paul, were new to the area. He was studying to receive his Masters of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary and Baine-De Maagd needed to find work.

"He and I didn’t have two nickels to rub together. … They steered me in the right place."

While Baine-De Maagd hadn’t had the opportunity to meet President Knapp or his wife, Kelly, prior to the inauguration ceremony, she said she was thrilled to welcome them both to Holland and happy to see a southerner taking on a leadership role at the college.

And as for attending a fifth inauguration ceremony at Hope College? Baine-De Maagd said she hopes that’s in her future.

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"If I’m still here I will," she said, laughing. "I don’t anticipate being an old lady."